Khoya Khoya Chand

Some wise man said sometime back, "Never bite more than you can chew." Sudhir Mishra probably did not hear of this, otherwise his film could have been a masterpiece. It could even qualify for screenings in film academies for teaching students about film making during 50s and 60s. The film actually takes you that era with ease. The only problem with this film is that the director has tried to show too much. He has actually tried to cover entire film industry of 50s and 60s with the help of 5-6 lead characters, which I think is very difficult. He actually succeeds, but in pieces.

The story revolves around Zafar (a budding author/scriptwriter turned director), Nikhat (struggling actress turned star), Prem Kumar (super star), Khosa (producer), Ratnabala (star), Shyamal (AD turned star secretary turned producer), Noni Da (director) and Ravinder (rising star). The whole story revolves around all these characters. I actually got confused, if it was primarily the story of entire film industry or about Zafar and Nikhat. The director has shown all the possible combinations of relationships between the lead characters Zafar, Nikhat and Prem Kumar. At some point of time it starts becoming so complicated that you actually get confused that what these guys really want. The story starts with Nikhat meeting Prem Kumar, and Prem Kumar helping her in her career. During shooting of a film, Nikhat meets Jafar and both fall for each other. But for Nikhat's career it's important to stay with Prem Kumar. Finally they both decide to marry but they don't, again it's career or something else, you don't clearly understand. Nikhat is not able to do Zafar's first directorial venture, and Zafar is not able to handle this fact. He does his movie with Ratnabala and the movie is a flop. Heartbroken Zafar disappears from Mumbai. He comes back again and makes the best movie of his and Nikhat's filmy career "Khoya Khoya Chand", which is actually based on real life story of Zafar.

The movie actually takes you to the 50's thanks to the way it is shot and the set design. All the actors have done good job. Shiney Ahuja has to really learn how to act in sad scenes. Soha Ali Khan looks cute. Editor has probably done overtime for this movie, because the scenes seem to end and start abruptly some times. Some dialogs are really witty like the scene when Prem Kumar finds out about Zafar and Nikhat's relationship. The scene I liked most was where Nikhat and Zafar throw stones at the Producer's house, whom she met at the age of 14. The direction sometimes lack the old Sudhir Mishra of Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi and Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi. The story could also have been more gripping, if they would have concentrated on one of the relationships and tried to make it less complicated for the audience. Music is really good and I liked all the songs. Shantanu Moitra-Swanand Kirkire combination does it again. Overall I would rate this movie as 5 out of 10.